Prague's Charles University was the location for an international conference on Alzheimer's titled 'Making the Point', it was held under the auspices Rotarian Action Group for Peace and hosted by RCPI.

The conference invited specialists in neurodegenerative diseases to meet and learn more about their specific fields and put together a more comprehensive outlook for the disease. The discussions varied from molecular blood samples on how to phyisically manage patients with the disease. The reason for bringing these great minds together is because in developed countries, Alzheimer's is and will continue to be a massive drain on the health and finances of many countries, as we live longer and are unable to take care of ourselves.

In the same way that Rotary has been instrumental in the eradication of Polio, it is hoped that with the help of the UN, Rotary will play a key part in the research and care of Alzheimer's patients. It is a issue that can not be ignored for much longer by governments. Two thirds of Alzheimer's patients are women, they tend to live longer but they are also the caregivers. If they are unable to look after themselves it leaves a real problem for someone else to deal with. The aging population is proving to be a drain on welfare and social services throughout the developed world.

The conference discussed risk factors, possible routes of a cure and the care of those suffering. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is also an issue and a professor from Spain talked of how molecular genetics may improve Alzheimer's diagnosis. Thus giving patients the opportunity to receive more specific treatments earlier and hopefully slow down the degenerative process.

Rotary Club Prague International was the host club, Helen Noll was our representative there and was able to meet with fellow Rotarians from RC New York – (host club of America and the United Nations) and members from RC Rome, Professor Sergio Bernardini who was leading the conference.

It is hoped that in the Spring, Rotarian Action Group for Peace will hold another bigger conference in Prague, as this had proved to be such a successful meeting of specialists in Alzheimer's.

RCPI member Helena organised a truly exclusive tour of DOX, the Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague. Members and friends were greeted by Michaela Silpochova (Head of International projects) and were then joined by Leos Valka - the Director and founder of DOX which opened in a converted factory in Prague’s Holešovice district in 2008. Today Leos serves as its director and chairman of the board. In 2011, based on a nomination by Václav Havel, he received an award from the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic for long-term merit in the area of fine art.

Michaela guided members to the recently opened theater and performance auditorium which is one of the newest and best equipped contemporary spaces in Prague for performers to perform. A tour of the current exhibition called HARD TIMES was given another dimension by Michaela's explanations of the many factors which influenced the artists and exhibition. Then on and upward to Gulliver's Airship which is a realtively new addition to the exhibition and interpretation spaces of DOX. Constructed of wood the airship leaves the visitor with a sense of marvel at the structure and a feeling of an open space whilst being enclosed. A masterpiece.

The tour was followed by conversation, food and of course a few drinks in the cafe at DOX where a reception had been specially prepared for us. Many thanks Michaela, Leos and of course Helena.

If you missed the trip please do consider making a private visit to DOX to experience the art and spaces for yourself. Membership, both personal and corporate is available and goes a long way to sustaining this truly unique art space in Prague.

A new record was set in November when, for another year, Indian meals were delivered to individuals and businesses throughout Prague as part of the RCPI Indian Food Helps campaign. Gerry worked tirelessly organising volunteers, Blanka took hundreds of orders whilst Mamun and his team prepared over 800 meals. One day peaked with 166 meals prepared and deliverd!

The food is cooked by the award winning Curry House Restaurant. All the proceeds go towards supporting primary schooling in rural Rajasthan. We will buy equipment for the schools, school bags, exercise books and writing materials, school uniforms, hygiene kits and pay school fees for poor families. We also arrange health checks and basic treatment for children and mothers.One lunch will enable us to buy 2 school bags or two girl's uniforms. Five lunches can pay for the school fees of one child for a year.